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King Arthur, or The British Worthy, Z628

Introduction

The beautiful Symphony from Act V of King Arthur is used to accompany the appearance of Britannia, who rises seated on a island. It is said in one source to be for three violins and continuo, though the range and character of the parts suggest trumpet, violin and oboe.

'Innocently sexy in the most charming way. Emma Kirkby can never have sounded more celestial. The sound quality is immaculate. This is a lovely record ...'An unqualified delight' (BBC Music Magazine)» More

'Delightfully sung by Bott and Cornwell to a joyful accompaniment' (Gramophone)'Stylish interpretations … elegantly shaped wind playing by The Parley of Instruments … the disc provides valuable insight into early 18th c ...» More

'Universally full of spirit and charm … both trumpeters are on fine form, sounding effortlessly relaxed and beautifully matched, with an enticing ...'A thoughtfully planned disc with plenty of variety … Expertly directed and stylishly played, this well-filled disc is highly recommended' (BBC M ...» More

Details

What power art thou, who from below Hast made me rise unwillingly and slow From beds of everlasting snow? See’st thou not how stiff and wondrous old, Far unfit to bear the bitter cold, I can scarcely move or draw my breath? Let me, let me freeze again to death.

Fairest isle, all isles excelling, Seat of pleasure and of love. Venus here will greet her dwelling And forsake her Cyprian grove. Cupid from his fav’rite nation Care and envy will remove, Jealousy that poisons passion, And despair that dies for love.

Gentle murmurs, sweet complaining, Sighs that blow the fire of love, Soft repulses, kind disdaining, Shall be all the pains you prove. Ev’ry swain shall pay his duty, Grateful ev’ry man shall prove; And as these excel in beauty, Those shall be renowned for love.

Fairest isle, all isles excelling, Seat of pleasure and of love. Venus here will choose her dwelling, And forsake her Cyprian grove. Cupid from his fav’rite nation Care and envy will remove; Jealousy that poisons passion, And despair that dies for love.

Gentle murmurs, sweet complaining, Sighs that blow the fire of love, Soft repulses, kind disdaining, Shall be all the pains you prove. Every swain shall pay his duty, Grateful every man shall prove; And as these excel in beauty, Those shall be renown’d for love.

John Dryden (1631-1700)

Fairest isle was one of Purcell’s biggest successes in King Arthur, first performed at the Dorset Garden Theatre in 1691. A patriotic song in praise of Britain which is sung by Venus near the end of the opera, its two strophic verses (separated here with instrumental verses) demonstrate Purcell’s genius for writing a tune of memorable yet simple melody.

Fairest isle, all isles excelling, Seat of pleasure and of love; Venus here will choose her dwelling, And forsake her Cyprian grove. Cupid from his favourite nation, Care and envy will remove; Jealousy that poisons passion, And despair that dies for love.

Gentle murmurs, sweet complaining, Sighs that blow the fire of love; Soft repulses, Kind disdaining, Shall be all the pains you prove. Every swain shall pay his duty, Grateful every nymph shall prove; And as these excel in beauty, Those shall be renowned for love.

Love has a thousand ways to please, But more to rob us of our ease; For waking nights and carefull days, From hours of pleasures he repays; But absence soon, or jealous fears, O’erflows the joys with floods of tears.

But one soft moment makes amends For all the torment that attends.

Let us love, and to happiness haste. Age and wisdom comes too fast; Youth for loving was design’d. I’ll be constant, you’ll be kind. You’ll be constant, I’ll be kind. Heav’n can give no greater blessing Than faithful love, and kind possessing.